Computer Engineering Technology

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by what makes computers tick, both inside (hardware) and out
(software), becoming a computer engineering technologist has great possibilities.
Work in traditional IT roles, get into gaming and web applications and explore growing
opportunities in IT security. The future is still unfolding, and your career could
go in many directions.

The Computer Engineering Technology program is a three-year diploma offered full time
at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw campus. You’ll get an exceptional hands-on
learning experience during five semesters of classroom study and three Co-operative
Education work terms.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is unique in our emphasis on both hardware and software.
You’ll learn how to:

analyze, test and design analog and digital circuits

design, fabricate and populate printed circuit boards

program personal computers and microcontrollers using various programming languages

design and test interfaces between computers and peripherals

design, install and administer networks

design and test various digital data transmission systems

install, configure and maintain workstations and servers in various operating system
environments

A capstone research project gives you an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned
to the development of an original design, from concept through to prototype.

The Co-op Work Term Advantage

Co-operative work terms are paid, so you’ll earn while you learn. Saskatchewan Polytechnic
arranges your interviews; it’s up to you to shine. It’s also a chance to develop important
“soft skills” in job interviewing, professional attitude, interpersonal communication
and more.

Diploma to Degree

Use your diploma to ladder into an engineering degree at Lakehead University in Ontario
or a technology degree at Memorial University in Newfoundland.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Graduates work as network administrators, systems coordinators and systems analysts
in IT training and support, research and development and customer sales and service.
You can also pursue your dream career in gaming and multimedia development, graphical
user interface development, IT security, web-based applications and more.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Year 1 - Semester 1

You will study basic theory and practice of printed circuit board layout. You will use industry standard software to create circuit diagrams and generate required files to produce printed circuit boards (PCBs). You will use software to simulate and analyze circuits.Credit Units: 3Course Hours: 48.0Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

COAP 120

Computer Applications

2

You will be introduced to operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, databases and an algorithmic approach to problem solving using computers. You will learn how to use popular applications packages including open source software. You will study networking basics and gain experience operating in a multi vendor local area network (LAN) environment.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 32.0Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

ENGE 120

Basic Electricity

6

Your studies will focus on the principles of direct current (DC) circuits. You will analyze principles and theorems of electricity including current, voltage and resistance. You will solve electrical circuit problems.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 96.0Prerequisites(s): LABS 120(concurrent), MAT 122(concurrent)Corequisites(s): Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

LABS 120

Basic Electricity Lab

6

You will apply principles and theorems of electricity including current, voltage and resistance as well as verify Ohm’s and Kirchoff’s laws. You will apply measurement techniques to evaluate various circuits.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 96.0Prerequisites(s): ENGE 120(concurrent), MAT 122(concurrent)Corequisites(s): Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

MAT 122

Technical Mathematics for Electrical Engineering Technologies

6

You will learn basic algebra and trigonometry from the technical perspective. Your studies will focus on electronics standards and specifications, and algebraic and transcendental mathematics that are foundational to the electrical stream of programs and introductory statistics.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 96.0Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will receive an orientation to your program and learn where and how the technician/technologist fits into the workplace and society. You will become familiar with the role of technicians/technologists in society, study and time management skills, increasing diversity in the workplace, principles of sustainability, the impact of technology on society and workplace safety requirements.Credit Units: 1Course Hours: 15.0Equivalent Course(s): ENGM 181, ETHC 183, ORTN 120, SEM 104Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

Year 1 - Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CNST 220

Construction Techniques

3

Your studies will focus on fundamental construction principles, tools and safety. You will use tools to measure, layout, cut, drill and bend as well as solder wires, terminals, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and surface mount devices. You will create a surface mount PCB starting with a schematic capture computer program to produce a Gerber file. You will then produce a finished PCB using a computerized milling machine.Credit Units: 3Course Hours: 48.0Prerequisites(s): CAD 100Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will be introduced to the units, dimensions and standards of measurements. You will study the sources of measurement errors and how to estimate them. You will also learn how to identify instrument types and their performance characteristics. You will calculate the required resistors to extend the range of measurements of ammeters, voltmeters and ohmmeters. You will study direct current (DC) and alternate current (AC) bridges and their applications in measurements. You will also examine the circuit diagrams of digital multi-meters, frequency meters and oscilloscopes and use them in the lab.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 64.0Prerequisites(s): ENGE 120, LABS 120Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Co-operative Work Term 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

COOP 101

Co-operative Work Term

0

Your co-operative education term will provide you with the opportunity to consolidate theoretical and practical concepts learned in the classroom and gain valuable experience in a work setting.Credit Units: 0Course Hours: 640.0Potential Learning Method(s): Coop Education Work Term, Prior Learning

You will study advanced combinational and sequential logic design and finite state machines. You will study analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter circuits and apply them in digital circuits. You will also study some of the families of digital integrated circuits including transistor-transistor logic (TTL), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic and emitter-coupled logic (ECL). You will apply your skills by developing an automated device in a project.Credit Units: 5Course Hours: 80.0Prerequisites(s): DGTL 202Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

COAP 222

Computer Programming

6

You will study the design, implementation and testing of programs using a high level language. You will develop problem solving skills by constructing algorithms to meet program input and output (I/O) requirements. You will develop programs that exhibit good structure to ensure easy debugging and maintenance. You will utilize object oriented design techniques to produce efficient reusable modules. You will employ predefined and user constructed abstract data types to meet application design goals.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 96.0Prerequisites(s): COAP 120Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

COMP 221

Computer Fundamentals

6

You will study specific integrated circuits (IC) that make up the personal computer. You will analyze characteristics and addressing techniques for various types of memory, as well as basic computer structure and operation of the 8086/8088 Central Processing Unit (CPU). You will design the logic circuits for memory addressing and input/output (I/O) port decoding. You will examine and interpret the CPU internal control unit, CPU fetch and execute cycles, timing diagrams, read/write cycles, bi-directional data lines, tri-state operation, interrupt types and generation as well as programmable I/O ports.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 96.0Prerequisites(s): DGTL 202, COMP 222(concurrent)Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

COMP 222

Microprocessor Programming

5

You will study the theory, practice and mathematical principles of programming microprocessors at the machine code and assembler level. You will design programs for a number of systems and code used to store data and machine operational instruction codes. You will program high level control scripts provided through assemblers.Credit Units: 5Course Hours: 80.0Prerequisites(s): COAP 120Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Co-operative Work Term 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

COOP 201

Co-operative Work Term

0

Your second co-operative education term will build on the experience gained during your first work placement and provide you with additional opportunities to develop skills and techniques related to your field of studies in a real work setting.Credit Units: 0Course Hours: 640.0Potential Learning Method(s): Coop Education Work Term, Prior Learning

Year 2 - Semester 4

Code

Name/Description

Credits

COHS 220

Networking Computers

5

You will practice the role of network administrator to an authentic computer network by managing security control, network performance, diagnostics and resource sharing such as disk space and printers. You will create and analyze network topologies, protocols and operating systems. You will install network hardware, cabling, operating systems and applications software.Credit Units: 5Course Hours: 72.0Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will be introduced to the digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), logic analyzer and spectrum analyzer. Using the DSO you will experiment with various sampling methods and triggering mechanisms. You will use the logic analyzer in its timing and its state modes of operation. You will contrast amplitude, frequency and phase modulation as well as their frequency spectra. You will operate the spectrum analyzer and experiment with the fast Fourier transform (FET) technique in order to display the spectrum of a signal. Your studies will include an introduction to fiber optics components.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 36.0Prerequisites(s): INST 223, CIRC 220Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will study the various types of sensors and actuators and learn their characteristics, applications and interfacing circuits. You will also learn the methods of applied research. You will choose a computer system and use it for monitoring, measurement, control or robotic application. You will write a proposal that includes the hardware, software, schematics and printed circuits of your chosen project. You will outline the programs and software you will use in your project.Credit Units: 5Course Hours: 72.0Prerequisites(s): CNST 220Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

TCOM 104

Applied Research in Technology

2

You will develop a technical proposal and apply advanced research skills to a technical problem. You will use the technical problem-solving process in an applied research project and present your research findings in a written report and oral presentation.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 30.0Prerequisites(s): TCOM 103 or ENGL 101Equivalent Course(s): COMM 115, COMM 182, COMM 290, TCOM 239Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

Co-operative Work Term 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

COOP 301

Co-operative Work Term

0

Your third co-operative education work term will round out the work term experience by adding related work knowledge through the application of theories and practices relevant to your field of studies.Credit Units: 0Course Hours: 640.0Potential Learning Method(s): Coop Education Work Term, Prior Learning

Year 2 - Semester 5

Code

Name/Description

Credits

COMP 208

Network Programming

6

You will apply current technologies to produce dynamic web pages and internet applications. You will install, configure and maintain a web server and database. You will use these components to produce dynamic web applications.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 96.0Prerequisites(s): COAP 222Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

COMP 209

Software Systems

5

You will analyze characteristics, issues and solutions pertaining to the design and implementation of operating systems. You will master various aspects of computer system administration and write software scripts.Credit Units: 5Course Hours: 80.0Prerequisites(s): COAP 222Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

COMP 227

Process Control Systems

5

You will study various types of computer systems and their application in industry, manufacturing and information processing. You will differentiate final control systems, discrete state control, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control modes including proportional, integral and differential (PID), monitoring, measurements and digital control. You will be introduced to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.Credit Units: 5Course Hours: 80.0Prerequisites(s): INST 229, MAT 240Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

INTL 223

Data Communications

6

You will explore the fundamentals of data and computer communications in the three general areas of data communications, networking and protocols. You will learn how data signals are transmitted in a reliable and efficient manner. You will evaluate reliability and efficiency as you examine the topics of signal transmission, transmission media, signal encoding, interfacing, data link control and multiplexing. You will investigate the technology and architecture of the communications networks used to interconnect a large number of communicating devices such as a wide area network (WAN). You will also analyze protocols; the layered structures of hardware and software that support the exchange of data between systems.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 96.0Prerequisites(s): MAT 240Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

MGMT 211

Project Management

3

You will be introduced to project management. You will examine the basic theory of project planning and control, from project initiation to project close out. You will apply research techniques and various tools to practice project management theory in a variety of projects. You will practice skills using project management software.Credit Units: 3Course Hours: 48.0Prerequisites(s): TCOM 104, PROJ 222(concurrent)Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

PROJ 222

Capstone Research Project

5

You will apply knowledge you gained in the previous four semesters. You will conceive and design an original project that incorporates hardware and software. You will research alternative designs, select appropriate strategies and defend your design choices in a final presentation. You will manage the project scheduling and costs to meet broad goals with minimal direction. You will design, construct and test a working prototype; including, a printed circuit board to illustrate the soundness of your design choices.Credit Units: 5Course Hours: 80.0Prerequisites(s): COAP 222, COMP 207, PROJ 204, PROJ 220Corequisites(s): Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Transfer Credit

Many Saskatchewan Polytechnic students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Transfer credit options for this program include:

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 27,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.